My Solar and battery backup for dry camping

[jagzoo]

Hi all,

I know there is an old thread (maybe many) on this but the question just came up again, so I though I'd start a new thread, now that a lot of us "Snow Birds" (what snow) are preparing to head to warmer climates, with my solar/battery backup for CPAP. I meant to add this to the threads when we returned last summer - but life got in the way.

Last year we spent many nights camping off grid - although for short terms, no one stretch longer than 5 days. My APAP was a Respironics System One Auto 560. For dry camping I set it on APAP of 10.5/10.5 (so I could get readings of flow limitations). I found that the battery would shut off trying to start at a pressure of 10.5, so I set it to start at 9 with a 5 minute ramp. It had no problem handling that. (Hint: To reset battery, I needed to unplug the cord from the battery and then reinsert it) Very Compact.

This set up would be great for backpacking also: light and compact. The battery and solar panel weigh in at a total of 3.75 lbs.

Here are the specs on my solar charger and battery: I got them from Amazon. Looking through Amazon now, I see foldable solar panels with much higher watt ratings. But these have done me well.

Instapark® Mercury27 Portable & Foldable 27 Watts Solar Battery Charger with DC 12V Output for Automotive Batteries & Dual DC 5V Standard USB Ports for iPhone, iPad, Android Smart Phone, Tablet Computer & Other Portable Device Item Model # MCRY27
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVF ... ge_o06_s00
This has outlets that let one directly plug in any USB device and a multitude of connectors for 12v. The standard connector fit perfectly for charging the Poweradd Pilot battery.

Poweradd™ Pilot Pro 32000mAh Monster Capacity Multi-Voltage (5V 9V 12V 16V 19V 20V) Portable Charger External Battery Backup Power Bank (lithium) ASIN: B00DN0KBXU http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DN0 ... ge_o07_s00. This come with a variety of plugs and has settable V output. Obviously I set it to 12v for my APAP. The default plug also is what I used to plug directly into my APAP.

If you read the reviews, you will see that there were some quality issues (at least a year ago) -the first one I got needed to be returned but the second one has worked flawlessly (it seems that if they work upon arrival -then they continue to- but some were shipped without good quality control. ) So don't order at the last moment - give time for an exchange if needed.

I normally sleep 8-10 hrs a night and each night used about 1/3 of the battery. So I could get 3 nights without recharging. Out West, with ample sun, I never needed to run out of power, so I usually topped the battery off after 2 nights. We also have a generator that I could recharge from - but never needed to.

Happy camping, XPAPing and sleeping!

[amenite]

I've had very good results with that same 27 watt panel, however I was one of the unlucky ones to have received Poweradd™ Pilot Pro lemon that promptly went back for refund (not exchange). I'm not very trusting where lithium cells are concerned. Too much potential for catastrophic failure IMO. I'm still waiting for the right battery pack to come along but my needs right now do not include compactness or extreme light weight in a battery so I have the luxury of waiting. When/if LiFePO4 technology comes down a bit in price I will probably give that a spin.

Edit: Some thing like this in a compact package would be nice, but if I could get it without built-in inverter to shrink it down and lighten it up that would be awesome. Estimated at 2000 cycles lifespan and minimal discharge during storage:

http://www.bioennopower.com/pages/120-w ... power-pack

[OkyDoky]

I'm very happy with my Poweradd Pilot Pro. It runs 2 nights with my bipap pressures at 11/15 without humidifier and I recharge while driving with this computer charger. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003WV ... UTF8&psc=1
It fit my needs as we are on the road alot. And I was lucky with getting a good battery the first time. I don't even have to ramp up to my pressure. It did stop once during the night but I just unplugged and then plugged it back with it starting right back.
My next step may be to buy the solar panel and a second battery. That way I could have one charging while using the other one.

[archangle]

Lithium batteries have at least two important failure modes.

1) The battery bursts into flame or explodes. This doesn't happen that often now, especially if you get the battery from a reputable manufacturer, not some foreign e-bay seller, or a home-grown solution. It's especially bad if you don't use the manufacturer's charger.

2) Sudden failure to operate. This is usually a 100% failure to operate or take a charge with no warning. This is usually caused because the battery has a safety circuit that "blows a fuse" and shuts the battery down if it detects an overcharge or undercharge condition. Overcharge or undercharge can damage the battery and make it likely to burn or explode, so the manufacturers put "suicide" safety circuits that shut the battery down before they get dangerous.

Be sure to charge the battery at least every few months or it may end up being permanently dead when you need it.

Lithium batteries have some really great characteristics, but they have some problems. They're getting better, but still may suddenly quit on you.

[jagzoo]

OkyDoky,

Saw you have use a ResMed, do you have the ResMed converter?

[OkyDoky]

OkyDoky,

Saw you have use a ResMed, do you have the ResMed converter?

Resmed is only at home. When I travel I use my Respironics 760.

[jagzoo]

Oh, OK - that's what I'm planning on now. Using the AutoSet for her at home and saving my Respironics 560 Auto for traveling. Thanks.

[Sonnyboy]

I have the older Respironics Remstar M series Auto A-flex and I just purchased the Poweradd Pilot Pro battery.
The battery shuts off as soon as I turn on the blower. How do I know for sure this is a defective battery. I am not confident I am using the correct adapters.

[OkyDoky]

There was only one barrel plug, that you attach to the about 2 foot connecting cable, that would fit my 760. The plug has a J on it and is actually the one that fits my HP computer also. I'm not familiar with your machine and it may have a different size plug. But be sure you have selected 12v on the battery and you may have to use the ramp at a lower pressure to start. If all fails send for exchange or refund.

[Sonnyboy]

Thanks Okydoky,
I have everything set up as you describe.
Turns off as soon as the blower is turned on.
I will exchange the battery and try again.

[Dive Apnea]

Here is my oddessy in camp battery. If I didn't fly each year to a annual camping trip, I'd just get one or two deep cycle batteries.

viewtopic/t104978/Solar-system-battery-charging.html

[Sir NoddinOff]

Thanks for the testing and sharing of data... seems worth checking out but a lot of testing goes into the experiment <sigh>.

[jonny515]

This (OP) is an excellent post. I don't think that I will be doing all that, as I am not a "real camper". But I"m certain it will be very helpful to people. And I'd definitely try and find it if I were going to need the info.

[JDTheThird]

OkyDoky,

Saw you have use a ResMed, do you have the ResMed converter?

I'm trying to research how to bring my ResMed S9 backpacking with me. But it seems these machines are difficult units to use with battery power since they require converters, from what I've read at least. Is my best option going to be to buy another machine to take with me that won't require a converter?

Thanks!

J.D.

[squid13]

Try this https://www.cpap.com/productpage/DC-Con ... hines.html